Popular Destinations on the Parkway. For more info, call Mogollon Rim Ranger District at 928-477-2255.Great site, Scott. Gravel forest road that any car… If the monsoon is weak, be prepared for some tough fishing.Become a fan of azcentral.com on Facebook and you'll get the day's most popular and talked-about Valley news, sports, entertainment and more - right in your newsfeed.Javascript must be enabled on your browser to view this site. Hit me up when you’re in town and I’ll join ya.Blue Ridge Reservoir is definitely a favorite of many kayakers in the state. 4 reviews of Blue Ridge Reservoir "Great day here! It is about 10 miles by road. It’s a popular place during the summer months and no reservations are accepted, so you’ll want to have a backup plan in case it’s full.
Deep canyons, lush forests and fresh lakes… Coconino National Forest has got it all! This is the only campground with electricity (Loop D only) at Curecanti. With a treeline that comes right down to a 15 mile-long shoreline, the lake offers many opportunities to dock and enjoy a snack under the shade of the cool pines. The most obvious source was the nearby Black River, but its water rights were tied up by the Salt River Project, better known as SRP. Blue Ridge. From Payson, continue north on Highway 87 for roughly 40 miles to FR751, near milepost 295. Craggy rock outcroppings abound at the water’s edge, offering plenty of geologic eye-candy while you paddle past.Look on most maps of the Mogollon Rim region of Arizona and you’ll have trouble finding a label for Blue Ridge Reservoir, one of the nicer lakes in Arizona to kayak. SRP would allow Phelps Dodge to use water from the Black River if the mining company delivered the same amount of water from outside SRP’s existing service area. The resulting reservoir—originally named Blue Ridge—held only 15,000 acre feet of water, but was surprising reliable given its location atop the Mogollon Rim. Parkway NC, VA. Info; Alerts; Maps; Calendar; Reserve; Alerts In Effect Dismiss Dismiss View all alerts × Contact Us. This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake. The project included an 11-mile long pipeline to deliver the water down the rim to the East Verde River, which eventually flows into SRP’s reservoir system. Turn east on FR751 and follow it about 4 miles to the boat ramp.
The lake gets an algae bloom in June and July, which can make the fishing tough. Things to Do on the Parkway. Camping near Blue Ridge Reservoir. Find Hiking Trails. At an elevation of 6700 ft, the paddling season runs from May through October. Not only do you get to camp among this awe-inspiring landscape, but you also have hiking and fishing opportunities awaitin’. Blue Ridge Campground is located about 5 miles north of Blue Ridge Reservoir, as the crow flys. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only boat on the water here, as the lake curves around multiple bends just as a river does, obscuring other paddlers. I need to get to one of your recommended AZ locations soon.In the early 1960s, Phelps Dodge was looking for water to service its huge mining operation in Morenci. While small motorized boats are allowed, this isn’t a place where paddlers will feel overwhelmed by motors.Thanks Mike! Nestled between forested canyon walls it provides picturesque water recreation in a secluded, wooded setting. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 161.1 – 176.1: Mabry Mill, Rocky Knob Visitor Center and Campground, Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail Spanning Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 167 – Milepost 174, Rocky Knob comprises 4,800 acres and 15 miles of hiking trails. The lake gets an algae bloom in June and July, which can make the fishing tough. Hear top artists play regional music. The lake is narrow and deep — about 100 feet when full. Cragin Reservoir. This gorgeous narrow lake is located about 25 miles north of Payson, but only came into being because of water needs 200 miles away.FR751 from Red Rock Crossing campground to Blue Ridge Reservoir (aka C.C. Elk Creek Campground is located 16 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Reservations are strongly recommended for Loop D in the summer months. Input your search keywords and press Enter.By 1965, Phelps Dodge had constructed a dam on East Clear Creek an hour’s drive north of Payson. Phelps Dodge and SRP found a solution in a water trade. A site on the Mogollon Rim was selected to complete the deal.Blue Ridge Reservoir is located about 45 miles north of Payson, a roughly 2-hour drive from Phoenix. The Rock Crossing Campground is just two miles from the reservoir boat launch, so it’s well placed for a weekend of boating. It is stocked with rainbow trout and also contains illegally stocked green sunfish and bullhead. Your best bet is to hit it in May, before the bloom, in August after the monsoons, or in the fall. Lots of insight and detailed knowledge for hikers. It was an exchange that served both parties well for decades to come.The lake is split between two arms. All types of camping from tents to large RVs can be accommodated at Elk Creek, but note that there are very few sites with trees. The lake is narrow and deep — about 100 feet when full. Beautiful location within Coconino National Forest Apparently this road is not open year round, nor are some of the local camprounds. Camping.